The Briton Martin Burton and two companions, Geoff Sommers and Ronny Finsaas, a Norwegian with a great deal of experience in sail-powered skiing) will be attempting the route from the South Pole to Hercules Inlet (approximately 30 km from Patriot Hills).

They will be using the classic technique of hauling a sledge and traction sails. The estimated time for the trek is around forty days.

There is a humanitarian aim to this expedition: to raise funds to help sufferers of Lupus through the St Thomas' Lupus Trust at St Thomas's Hospital in London.

(visit St Thomas' Lupus Trust website)